Protecting Brevard
From COVID-19
Resources:
COVID-19 Vaccine
Please Check Back for the Next Available Vaccination Registration
Registration will open when the next supply of vaccines is available. Please continue to check this page for important updates.
Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
We have a team that created a distribution plan several weeks in advance of the first arrival of the coronavirus vaccine. The team swiftly launched a vaccination schedule for those associates who opted in. Vaccination is not mandatory for Health First associates.
We want to provide these immunizations to the community as soon as we can. We invite the public to check hf.org/staywell for the latest coronavirus vaccine updates or by calling our COVID-19 hotline at 321.434.3636.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are similar and use a new (and what appears to be more effective) technology to produce antibodies to the spike protein of the virus internally rather than injecting the antigen directly, such as with the influenza vaccine. Both vaccines require a second dose separated by three or four weeks, respectively.
Download the COVID-19 Pfizer BioNTech Vaccine EUA Fact Sheet
Data from the clinical trials of the Pfizer vaccine and the Moderna vaccine both showed an approximate 95% effectiveness in prevention of the COVID-19 illness. That makes them among the most effective vaccines for any infectious disease.
A longstanding and independent group, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which advises the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on new vaccines, has recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective. It is not a live vaccine, and there is no chance of contracting COVID-19 from the vaccination. Anyone with a history of multiple or significant allergic reactions to medications may wish to consider declining the vaccine until further information is available about safety in this group.
Like all vaccines, there are some potential side effects. The most common are malaise, fever, chills and soreness at the injection site. Data from the clinical trials indicate that if there are side effects, they are short-lived. Because of the rare potential of an allergic reaction, as with any vaccine, we will observe recipients for a short period after receiving the vaccine. And, of course, at Health First, we have the most qualified staff to manage any side effects.
Yes, at this time we recommend everyone continue to wear a mask when out in public or around others outside of your immediate household. Though we know that the vaccine prevents the disease (COVID-19), we do not know yet whether it prevents asymptomatic infection and the potential to spread the virus to others. Preliminary data from trials on the AstraZeneca vaccine indicate that it may not entirely prevent asymptomatic carriage of the virus. However, with widespread adoption of the vaccine, we look forward to the day when we become maskless at Health First.
The only absolute contraindication is a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine. Anyone with a history of multiple or significant allergic reactions to medications may wish to consider declining the vaccine until further information is available about safety in this group.
There is currently no data available on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy. However, observational data demonstrates that while the absolute risk is low, pregnant individuals have an increased risk of severe illness. Some professional societies have recommended immunization if pregnant. This will be an individual decision on the part of the recipient at Health First.
As noted by the CDC: "There are no data on the safety of COVID-19 in lactating people or the effects of mRNA vaccines on the breastfed infant or milk production/excretion. mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to the breastfeeding infant. A lactating person who is part of a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine (e.g., healthcare personnel) may choose to be vaccinated."
At this time, patients with cancer may be offered vaccination against COVID-19 as long as components of that vaccine are not contraindicated. The current CDC recommendations around vaccination do not mention cancer but do discuss immunocompromised individuals. They state: "Immunocompromised individuals may still receive COVID-19 vaccination if they have no contraindications to vaccination. However, they should be counseled about the unknown vaccine safety profile and effectiveness in immunocompromised populations, as well as the potential for reduced immune responses and the need to continue to follow all current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19." The expert panel noted that while some immunocompromised patients may experience decreased response to the vaccine, it may still confer some benefit and is important to reduce the risk or severity of COVID-19 to cancer patients, especially given recent evidence of higher rates of severe infection. Further information on the vaccines can be found on the CDC website.
At this time, patients with cancer may be offered vaccination against COVID-19 as long as components of that vaccine are not contraindicated. The current CDC recommendations around vaccination do not mention cancer but do discuss immunocompromised individuals. They state: "Immunocompromised individuals may still receive COVID-19 vaccination if they have no contraindications to vaccination. However, they should be counseled about the unknown vaccine safety profile and effectiveness in immunocompromised populations, as well as the potential for reduced immune responses and the need to continue to follow all current guidance to protect themselves against COVID-19." The expert panel noted that while some immunocompromised patients may experience decreased response to the vaccine, it may still confer some benefit and is important to reduce the risk or severity of COVID-19 to cancer patients, especially given recent evidence of higher rates of severe infection. Further information on the vaccines can be found on the CDC website.
At this time, patients undergoing treatment may be offered vaccination against COVID-19 as long as any components of the vaccine are not contraindicated. Oncologists have experience providing other types of vaccines to patients receiving treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or stem cell transplantation. Strategies such as providing the vaccine in between cycles of therapy and after appropriate waiting periods for patients receiving stem cell transplants and immune globulin treatment can be used to reduce the risks while maintaining the efficacy of vaccination.
If the patient is in remission, they should consider vaccination as well.
Further information on the vaccines can be found on the CDC Website.
The vaccines will be available to our community at no cost.
Yes, we currently have two freezers that meet the requirements for ultra-cold storage of the Pfizer vaccine-should we receive that one. We expect two additional freezers to be delivered in January.
COVID-19 Testing
We are offering free COVID-19 testing to the public and our associates. To schedule a testing appointment, please call the Scheduling Office at 321.434.3131.
Drive-Up Testing:
Health First Medical Group Gateway 1223 Gateway Drive Melbourne, FL 32901 Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Health First Medical Group Murrell
7125 Murrell Drive
Melbourne, FL 32940
Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Testing is available by appointment only, a physician's lab order is required. These requirements will be waived for first responders.
COVID-19 Symptoms
Common symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, with severity ranging from mild to severe illness. Other common signs of infection include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, a loss of sense of smell for some patients, and a general feeling of being unwell. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please utilize our free COVID-19 Symptom Checker tool at the bottom of the page to determine what type of care you need.
Help Stop the Spread






COVID-19 Information Line
Health First now offers a free COVID-19 Information Line. Call 321.434.3636, to access general COVID-19 information as well as get connected to a variety of Health First facilities and services.
Visiting a Health First Facility
Your safety is our top priority. If you have a procedure or test scheduled, we are open, safe and happy to welcome you. Virtual Visits are also available for primary care and a number of specialties. Please contact the scheduling office at 321.434.3131 to confirm or schedule an appointment.
Universal Masking Policy
Health First has adopted a universal masking policy to give our patients and associates an added layer of protection not only from COVID-19, but any airborne illness. This policy requires all who come through our doors to wear face masks.
Visitor Guidelines
To protect our patients and their loved ones, we have implemented a new visitation policy at our hospitals to ensure the safest possible environment.
Click HERE for visitor guidelines.